11277 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

11277 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: How is New Zealand tracking toward the 2025 goal in the Biodiversity Strategy that the number of fisheries-related deaths of protected marine species is decreasing toward zero for all species; and how, if at all, does the decision to scrap the Fishing Related Mortality Limit for the New Zealand sea lion help to reach that goal?

Hon Shane Jones: The Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy Implementation Progress Report is available on the Department of Conservation website. I am advised that the trend in number of fisheries-related deaths of protected marine species is variable each year and is dependent on where and when fishing effort takes place. Estimated sea lion captures in the southern squid trawl fishery (SQU6T) have decreased to an average of three per year in the past five years, and in some years have been zero. The Fishing Related Mortality Limit would have had no impact on sea lion captures because they are already at a low level.